Premier League: 2013 Team of the year

2013 has been yet another fantastic year for football in the Premier League! There's been highs - from Sir Alex Ferguson going out on a champions high, to Aaron Ramsey's climb to fame - and as usual, there's been lows - Luis Suarez biting Branislav Ivanovic and Callum McManaman's horror tackle on Massadio Haïdara!

But, they are all part and parcel of the beautiful game. So let's take a look at the best players to have graced the pitches of the Premier League in 2013!

GK - Tim Krul - Newcastle United

This is a name that won't be on many team of the year's but Krul has been solid this year and had a cracker of a season so far.

He finally was awarded some recognition for his marvellous talent when he won player of the season in November. He put in one of the greatest goalkeeping performances I have seen in a long time against Spurs in the 1-0 win at Whit Hart Lane.

It was a difficult decision between Tim and David de Gea, who has been equally as good after a tough start in England. However, I feel Krul deserves it more, and hopefully he will remain in the Premier League and resist temptation from clubs like AC Milan who have rightfully seen the talent in him.

RB - Glen Johnson - Liverpool

This was the hardest choice because there are not really any outstanding right-backs in the Premier League. It was between Kyle Walker and Johnson but in the end I went with Johnson because even though he's been injured a bit, he has had a great year and is certainly one of the reasons Liverpool are flying.

Johnson is a perfect all-rounder; he can defend of course but he's even better going forward, whipping in curling crosses and scoring magnificent goals. He's got the strength to stop attackers and the speed to chase down wingers.

Even though Roy Hodgson has been picking Walker recently, I think he will give Johnson the nod in Rio next summer if he's fit. That's all that let's Johnson down; his fitness.

CB - Jan Vertonghen - Tottenham

Simply for last season's performances I had to put Jan in. He was a solid centre-back and kept out plenty of goals but I would not of awarded him a place in my team on defensive merit only.

Vertonghen brought a spice to the Premier League that no other centre-back could. He would power forward, getting himself on the scoresheet in many games. He was more lethal than Spurs' strikers at times! Gary Cahill was a very close second here.

CB - Phil Jagielka - Everton

Jagielka has had yet another solid season at Goodison Park and has been rewarded with a regular place in the England team alongside Gary Cahill, which has been turned into the best defensive partnership England have at the moment.

He always knows what is going on and controls the Everton defence with great ease, he's a player many teams would love to have. I could have willingly picked Per Mertesacker or Laurent Koscielny for this role as they have also been fantastic, and their formidable partnership has rocked the Premier League.

LB - Leighton Baines - Everton

Baines has been the best left-back in the Premier League by a mile. He's facing tough opposition in Ashley Cole and Kieran Gibbs, but Baines is the complete package, something England desperately need.

Just like Johnson, he can defend and attack but one skill leaves goalkeepers quivering in their boots - his free-kicks.

Baines can smash them in from over 35 yards which is an impressive feat and they can have power or curve; he is truly a master. He's 29 now but plays like a 20-year-old except with the wisdom of a 35-year-old.

RM - David Silva - Manchester City

One of City's stand out men, he can create a chance from absolutely nothing. His weaving runs, devilish crosses and spectacular through balls make Silva one of the deadliest players around right now.

Silva has struggled recently - injured for a while - but is now showing his skill yet again, especially when he tore apart Liverpool on Boxing Day.

CM - Michael Carrick - Manchester United

Carrick has really grown in the last year, he can control the entire game and has unbelievable composure on the ball. He really protects United's back four, but in a calm manner unlike many other defensive midfielders who are much more aggressive which is not always a bad thing though can result in bookings galore.

Along with Robin van Persie and a few others, he won the title for the Red Devils last season.

CM - Aaron Ramsey - Arsenal

This was the easiest decision I have ever made. He started to show some form at the back end of last season but he has been off the charts this campaign.

If Ramsey does not get player of the year it will be shocking because regardless of the rest of the season, he has earned it already. It really shows how good a judge of talent Arsene Wenger is, and how he can develop young players. Fantastic season.

LM - Gareth Bale - Tottenham

Now, I know Bale has not been a Tottenham player for nearly half of 2013 but his efforts last season were astronomical and he will be one of the worlds best players in good time.

Clearly Real Madrid agreed with me because they spent more than ever in a world record deal of £86 million plus add-ons.

Bale has been sorely missed by Spurs players and fans alike, and even though they have invested in players, they would've been better keeping him. It's a shame Daniel Levy disagreed!

ST/CF - Luis Suarez - Liverpool

19 goals and five assists in 13 games is all I need to say.

ST - Robin van Persie - Manchester United

Out injured at the moment but still a class act. He arrived at the Theatre of Dreams and needed precisely one shot to settle in.

Van Persie went on to demolish the league - including a superb hat trick against Aston Villa - and won Manchester United's 20th top-flight title.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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